By Gerard Flanagan, news writer and photographer, Office of University Communications
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – Dr. Preston Jones has always considered Campbellsville University a special place since arriving in August 2019 to join the university’s School of Business, Economics and Technology faculty.
Four years later, Jones will get the chance to lead the School of Business, Economics and Technology as its interim dean.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our students, faculty, and community,” Jones said. “It is an honor and a privilege to represent SOBET and work with my colleagues across the Tiger Nation to bring the Campbellsville University Strategic Plan, Foundations for the Future, to fruition.
“I pray that God will use me, in my role as dean, for His higher purpose.”
Before taking on the role of interim dean, Jones had served as professor of management.
Jones brings 30 years of experience in higher education administration and teaching, all at Nova Southeastern University. Among the positions he has held include director of the Master of Business Administration programs, executive director of Master’s Programs and associate dean for academic affairs.
Jones was also interim dean of the H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business & Entrepreneurship from 2012 to 2013 and then became the dean from 2013 to 2018. His last role at Nova Southeastern University was associate dean for accreditation and community engagement.
“Dr. Preston Jones is respected far and wide for his legacy in business as academician and leader,” Dr. Joseph Hopkins, president of Campbellsville University, said. “He served twice as Dean before joining our faculty, and he is ready to take CU to a new echelon of strength and excellence.”
Jones has professional experience in the business world, working for the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies from 1972 to 1987 and serving as president of Eagle Electrical Distributors, which he founded, from 1988 to 1992.
“Dr. Jones is the right person for the School of Business, Economics and Technology for this time and place,” Dr. Donna Hedgepath, provost and vice president for academic affairs, said. “He is a gifted leader with rich experience who has a heart for students and CU.
“I am excited to have him join our slate of academic deans.”
Jones received his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University in 1974. His Master of Business Administration came from Nova University in 1989, and he earned his Doctor of Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University in 1995.
Jones has additional postgraduate training in Finance for Non-Financial Managers from the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania and Situational Leadership from the Center for Leadership Studies in Escondido, Calif.
Jones said Campbellsville University is special “because the faculty and administration care for each other.”
“Our Christian values provide the foundation for how, we, the faculty and staff, masterfully ‘deliver on our promise of quality’ in every experience with our students,” Jones said. “I am very proud to be a member of the School of Business, Economics and Technology.”
Jones shared his vision for the School of Business, Economics and Technology while leading the school.
“The School of Business, Economics, and Technology at Campbellsville University will be recognized by the academic community, general public, and global business enterprises as a School of quality and distinction which lifts all students to achieve their highest potential and produces alumni who are Servant Leaders in their lives, fields of study, and careers,” he said.
Jones and his wife, Dr. Wendy Ellis Jones, have four children: Lamont, Allyssa, Lotisa, and Leslie. They also have four grandchildren and one great-grandson.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university that offers over 100 programs including doctoral, master, bachelor, associate and certificate programs. The website for complete information is www.campbellsville.edu.